22-250 vs 243

[soonerredwhite]

If you had to pick one and shoot things up to 170 lb deer what would you choose? The natural response might be .243 because of the larger game, but if you look at the energy at 100 yards they are not really that far apart. What do you guys think?

 

[jimm]

The " natural response " would be correct then in my way of thinking . I've taken whitetails with a 22-250, close range , through both lungs , no exit . At 100 yds bullet performance and placement become critical . This should not be, you dont want to put yourself in a place of needing to have everything work out perfect in order to take game .

The 243 offers such a wide range of bullets in terms of both weight and performance that I feel it wins hands down . Dont get me wrong , I love that little 22-250 ,but its usefull range is quite limited compared to the 243 .

With heavy bullets and the proper twist rate taking antelope out to 6 or 7 hundred yard is routine with a 243 and it is just as much at home shooting light bullets at high velocities for varmints way out there .

You asked , this is my take on the question , but I'm sure there are plenty other opinions out there for you to choose among .

jimmba

 

[soonerredwhite]

I agree, however I thought this would be an interesting subject to hear opinions on. I was looking at some ballistics data that sparked my curiosity.

 

[billmo]

I wonder what the real difference would be between a 90 gr. bullet in the 22-250 vs. a 105 gr. bullet in the .243 with both barrels twist matched up for the heavy bullets? Does anybody have any comparison between the two? Bill

 

[wfeher]

I have killed many deer with a 22-250 out to several hundred yards, it can be done but for the sake of humanely taking the animal quickly not saying a well placed 22 caliber bullet wont do the job but in all reality the 243 is much, much more realistic for humanely taking game. Now there are some hunters that shouldn't be in the woods with a stick let alone a firearm, who can shoot and wound a deer with a 30-378. Well you guys get my point no matter a 204 ruger or a 50 cal bmg the smart and more humane thing to do is always use more if you can, but don't go out and trade in your 22-250 for a 338 lapua just to have more power.Make sure you try to always do your part in taking the animal as quickly and humane as possible.

 

[280man]

what about a 22-243 tight twist barrel shooting 90gr bullets? if memory serves me you can get 3600 FPS out of on of these